Question

How to factor 4x^2-15x-25. @agent0smith

Answer 1

Do it the same as always.

Start by multiplying the first and last numbers, then find the two factors that'll add up to -15

Answer 2

I got it (4x+5)(x-5)

Answer 3

Total lunch-induced brain failure there! I wrote up the description, then tried it out and couldn't get it to work, so deleted it. For some reason, I could only come up with 2*50, 4*25, and 10*10 as factorings of 100 :-)

Answer 4

That factoring is correct.

Answer 5

did u try 5*20?

Answer 6

No, because my brain wasn't working, too much dim sum :-)

Answer 7

Lol.

Answer 8

Stomach is very happy, however :-)

Answer 9

thank you. You're a great teacher.

Answer 10

You're welcome. Thanks!

Answer 11

You're welcome.

Answer 12

I think you know how to do these pretty well by now, and don't need our help. You just like having an opportunity to chat with us, right? :-)

Answer 13

yes, I made a mistake and I didn't know what to do.

Answer 14

It happens. As long as you're able to recognize/admit that you made a mistake, and try again, it'll probably turn out okay in the end. Keep track of your mistakes, and see if you notice any patterns. Then you can work on addressing the underlying issue, or choose methods which avoid it.

Answer 15

I keep messing up on the signs. Negatives can be confusing.

Answer 16

Yep, that's the first place I look in my own work if something seems wrong!

Answer 17

I should've done that.

Answer 18

Particularly when subtracting polynomials — I usually choose to multiply the polynomial being subtracted by -1 and add it instead.

Answer 19

ok.